Over the summer, our faculty and staff took center stage in some recent news features on WBUR’s Radio Boston and on WCVB’s Channel 5 news broadcast!
On July 10, CMCB’s Lecolion Washington, Executive Director, and Rachel Chao, Community Engagement & Clinical Programs Manager, joined Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council for an amazing chat with WBUR 90.9 FM’s Tiziana Dearing. They spoke about an innovative new ‘Social Prescription’ program that makes arts and culture experiences available at free/low cost offerings by a doctor’s note.
This new program is an expansion of the CultureRX program, a three-year pilot that CMCB was a member of, which resulted in successful and positive reviews from health providers, cultural organizations, and patients. And now, Massachusetts is the first state to adopt this program statewide.
“It’s a really great opportunity to be able to support growth and support coping strategies
and skills and have a family not have to worry about ‘Do I re-qualify for financial aid?
Do I have to worry about transport to and from the site?’ It makes it so much easier for
the participant to be able to focus on growth and to be able to focus on wellness.”
Rachel Chao
Michael, Lecolion, and Rachel talked about the program’s bright future to cut costs and connect individuals with much needed care, the systems and structures that hold people back from thriving in their health or artistic passions, and how we can set the right incentives and policies in place to foster greater participation for all. Take a listen to the full conversation here!
The next day, on July 11 WCVB came to our space at 34 Warren Ave to learn more about what the program looks like on the ground. The live segment features many members of our music therapy and community engagement teams including Chris Perry, Rachel Chao, Macky Caldoza, and A.J. Gaudreau.
We are glad to be part of the conversation, and you can check out links to both segments below!
WBUR Interview
